The Work of the Spirit in Salvation
Conviction of Sin
Convincing the World
Description
The Holy Spirit's first work in salvation is conviction—He convinces the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Without this divine work, no one would feel their need of Christ. The Spirit shows sinners that their fundamental sin is unbelief in Christ, that true righteousness is found only in Christ who ascended to the Father, and that judgment is certain because Satan has already been judged. This conviction is not merely guilt feelings but a Spirit-wrought understanding of one's true condition before God. It is the necessary precursor to repentance and faith.
Key Verses
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.